Question 1

What is the highest binary number that can be referred to on a three position jumper block?

Accepted Answer

1

Question 2

To view any currently running Terminate Stay Resident (TSR's) programs you could type:

Accepted Answer

MEM

Question 3

What is the first thing you could do to check for damage to a printer after receiving it?

Accepted Answer

Unbox it and examine it for physical damage

Question 4

Which standard govern parallel communications?

Accepted Answer

IEEE 1284

Question 5

In laptop hardware using PCMCIA/PC Card slots, how many Type III PC Cards can typically be inserted at the same time, considering slot height and physical compatibility?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Portable computers from the PCMCIA era supported three mechanical PC Card types: Type I (3.3 mm), Type II (5.0 mm), and Type III (10.5 mm). Many laptops provided a stacked slot well that could accept either two thinner cards (Type I/II) or one thicker storage or I/O card (Type III). Understanding the physical constraints is essential for correct field upgrades and troubleshooting fit issues. Given Data / Assumptions: Laptop has a standard dual-height PC Card bay designed for Type I/II or a single Type III. Type III cards (often hard drives or advanced I/O) are 10.5 mm thick. No proprietary multi-bay extender is considered; only typical integrated bays. Concept / Approach: The stacked bay provides two thin “heights” that can each hold a Type I/II card. A Type III card occupies the vertical space of both heights. Therefore, in a typical bay, you either install 2 x Type II cards or 1 x Type III card, but not both simultaneously in the same well. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Recognize physical dimensions: Type III thickness = 10.5 mm.2) Understand bay design: a “double-decker” slot equals space for two Type II cards.3) Map fitment: one Type III consumes both deck heights.4) Conclude capacity: only a single Type III card fits at once. Verification / Alternative check: Service manuals and labels near the slot typically indicate “2 x Type II or 1 x Type III,” confirming the single-card limit for Type III usage. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 2 / 3 / 4: Exceed available height; not physically possible in a single standard bay. None of the above: Incorrect because one Type III is supported. Common Pitfalls: Assuming a second Type III can fit in the same bay, or confusing a laptop with dual independent bays (rare) versus one stacked bay (common). Final Answer: 1

Question 6

In PC POST diagnostics, a 17xx numeric error code usually indicates a fault related to which subsystem or component?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Power-on self-test (POST) codes help technicians quickly localize faults during boot. Numeric ranges are historically associated with device classes. Recognizing the 17xx family speeds up hard disk troubleshooting and avoids unnecessary part swaps. Given Data / Assumptions: System displays a 17xx code during POST. Conventional PC architecture applying classic BIOS-style codes. No OS-level drivers have loaded yet; failure appears early. Concept / Approach: Historically, POST codes in the 1700–1799 range correspond to fixed disk (hard drive) or its controller. The BIOS initializes storage controllers early; if it cannot identify or communicate correctly with the disk or controller, it raises a 17xx code to signal device-level failure rather than memory, power, or firmware corruption. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Note the code range: 17xx => disk/controller family.2) Check cabling and power to the drive (or SCSI/SATA card if discrete).3) Verify controller settings (e.g., BIOS, jumpers, termination if applicable).4) Swap known-good cable/port or run vendor diagnostics to confirm. Verification / Alternative check: Running the storage vendor’s diagnostic utility or BIOS HDD self-test will typically reproduce the issue, confirming a hard drive or controller fault rather than unrelated components. Why Other Options Are Wrong: ROM BIOS: Would show different codes or fail before disk init. Power supply: Causes random resets or no power, not specific 17xx codes. DMA controller: Rare today and would produce other I/O anomalies first. CMOS: Usually yields checksum/time errors (not 17xx storage codes). Common Pitfalls: Blaming the operating system or file corruption for a POST-stage error and overlooking loose SATA/IDE cables or incorrect controller modes. Final Answer: Hard drive or controller

Question 7

On the 16-bit ISA bus, to which higher-level interrupt line is IRQ2 cascaded (elevated) for system compatibility?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Legacy PCs used Programmable Interrupt Controllers (PICs) where IRQ lines were mapped for hardware events. With two cascaded 8259 PICs, IRQ2 on the first controller was repurposed to cascade to the second controller, reappearing as IRQ9 for devices. Understanding this historical mapping is vital when interpreting old hardware manuals and configuring ISA-era devices. Given Data / Assumptions: System uses classic 8259A dual-PIC design. Legacy 16-bit ISA interrupt mapping rules apply. We are identifying the remapped line for IRQ2. Concept / Approach: In AT-class systems, IRQ0–IRQ7 were on the master PIC; IRQ8–IRQ15 were on the slave PIC. The slave PIC connects to the master via IRQ2, effectively reserving IRQ2 for cascading. Consequently, devices that might have used IRQ2 are instead routed to IRQ9 on the slave, creating the conventional “IRQ2 = IRQ9” association for device usage. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Recognize cascade: the slave PIC must signal through the master.2) Master uses IRQ2 as the cascade input.3) Device lines expected on IRQ2 are redirected to IRQ9 on the slave.4) Conclusion: IRQ2 is effectively elevated to IRQ9. Verification / Alternative check: Motherboard diagrams and BIOS setup screens from ISA systems list devices that historically used IRQ9 where older references mention IRQ2, confirming the mapping. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 11 / 13 / 15: These are valid IRQs but not the cascade mapping for IRQ2. None of the above: Incorrect because IRQ9 is the standard mapping. Common Pitfalls: Confusing DMA channels with IRQs and assuming IRQ2 can be freely assigned when it is reserved for cascading in AT systems. Final Answer: 9

Question 8

In desktop PC assembly, what is the most likely technical consequence of leaving metal slot covers missing on the back of the chassis?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Rear expansion slots should be closed with metal covers when not occupied. These covers contribute to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and proper airflow. Understanding the primary risk helps technicians prioritize re-installing covers after service. Given Data / Assumptions: PC chassis uses standard ATX-style rear slots. System environment includes nearby devices susceptible to interference. No additional shielding or RF gasketing is present. Concept / Approach: Open slots create apertures that allow electromagnetic emissions to leak and external noise to enter, compromising EMC. While airflow can also be affected (which may contribute to heat issues), the canonical and exam-focused answer is increased EMI risk due to inadequate shielding of the enclosure. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Recognize chassis as a Faraday-like enclosure that reduces RF leakage.2) Removing covers enlarges openings, weakening shielding effectiveness.3) Result: more EMI emissions/ingress, potentially affecting nearby equipment or the PC itself.4) Secondary impact: disturbed airflow patterns may exist but are not the principal standardized risk. Verification / Alternative check: EMC testing consistently shows enclosure apertures increase emissions. Manufacturers include slot covers to pass regulatory limits (e.g., CE/FCC). Why Other Options Are Wrong: Power surges: Caused by supply anomalies, not slot openings. Incomplete path for ESD: Grounding paths are not defined by slot covers. Overheating: Airflow can be affected, but EMI is the primary standardized concern. None of the above: Incorrect because EMI risk is real and documented. Common Pitfalls: Assuming missing covers “vent heat better,” ignoring that chaotic airflow can worsen cooling and that EMC compliance is compromised. Final Answer: EMI (electromagnetic interference)

Question 9

During system boot, what is the purpose of the POST memory test, beyond merely showing a memory count on the screen?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: At power-on, systems execute POST (Power-On Self-Test) to validate crucial hardware quickly. The memory test is not cosmetic; it detects basic RAM failures and confirms that the system can reliably address memory regions required to load firmware and the operating system. Given Data / Assumptions: Legacy and many modern BIOS/UEFI implementations perform at least a quick RAM test. User observes the count or a progress indicator during cold boot. Goal is functional verification, not exhaustive burn-in. Concept / Approach: POST writes and reads simple patterns through address ranges to confirm presence and contiguity of memory banks. While not a full diagnostic, it detects obvious faults like missing modules, mis-seated DIMMs, or early-bit failures that would otherwise crash the boot sequence. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Initialize memory controller and SPD data to identify modules.2) Perform pattern writes/reads across low and extended memory.3) Validate address mapping so memory appears contiguous as configured.4) If errors occur, report via beep codes or on-screen messages. Verification / Alternative check: Entering firmware setup often shows detected capacity and channels; mismatches or POST beeps indicate memory mapping or module faults, confirming that POST genuinely checks memory, not just displays a number. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Displays what memory is installed, but nothing else: Understates the verification function. Is a superfluous step: Incorrect; it prevents early boot failures. Is an operational error: POST memory test is intentional and necessary. None of the above: Incorrect since verification is the purpose. Common Pitfalls: Confusing the brief quick test with comprehensive memory diagnostics, and assuming a visible count means no actual verification occurs. Final Answer: Checks and verifies that contiguous memory is installed

Question 10

Windows network drives – Mapped drive disappears after every reboot A previously working network drive mapping vanishes on each restart. What is the most likely reason?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In Windows environments, network shares can be mapped to drive letters for quick access. Users sometimes report that the mapping “disappears” after a reboot. Understanding how persistent mappings work avoids repeated remapping and support calls. Given Data / Assumptions: Standard Windows client joined to a network domain or workgroup. The mapping works during the session but is gone after restart. No Group Policy or logon scripts overriding user mappings (most typical home or small office scenario). Concept / Approach: Windows offers a checkbox (or equivalent option) “Reconnect at logon” or “Reconnect at sign-in” when creating a mapped drive. If this is not selected, the mapping is non-persistent and exists only for the current session, vanishing after reboot or logoff. Step-by-Step Solution: Open File Explorer → This PC → Map network drive.Enter path to the network share and choose a drive letter.Tick the option “Reconnect at logon” (or “Reconnect at sign-in”).Complete the wizard; the mapping now persists across restarts. Verification / Alternative check: From Command Prompt: use net use Z: \server\share /persistent:yes to enforce persistence. After reboot, net use should list the drive as reconnected (assuming network availability and credentials). Why Other Options Are Wrong: Physical relocation of the server is irrelevant unless it changed network addressing. AUTOEXEC.BAT and BIOS drive letters are legacy and unrelated in modern Windows. Video drivers do not clear mappings. Common Pitfalls: Forgetting stored credentials or trying to reconnect before networking is up; Group Policy logon scripts that remap drives; using different user accounts that lack permissions to the share. Final Answer: You did not select “Reconnect at logon” when mapping the drive.

Question 11

Legacy PC hardware – Which device typically uses IRQ 6?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: On classic x86 PCs, hardware devices were assigned specific Interrupt Request (IRQ) lines. Recognizing these historical defaults helps when troubleshooting legacy systems and for certification exams that still reference them. Given Data / Assumptions: Traditional PIC (8259)-based IRQ mapping on DOS/early Windows systems. No Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC) remapping or Plug-and-Play overrides. Standard peripherals installed (keyboard, floppy, IDE, VGA). Concept / Approach: Common defaults: IRQ1 = keyboard, IRQ3/4 = serial COM ports, IRQ5/7 = LPT/sound variations, IRQ6 = floppy disk controller, IRQ14/15 = primary/secondary IDE. Hence IRQ6 is associated with the floppy subsystem. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall standard table: IRQ6 → floppy disk controller.Keyboard uses IRQ1, not IRQ6.Primary IDE typically uses IRQ14.VGA does not use a fixed legacy IRQ in the same way. Verification / Alternative check: Check BIOS setup or DOS utilities (e.g., MSD) from historical environments: the floppy controller is listed on IRQ6. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Keyboard is IRQ1; IDE uses 14/15; VGA generally relies on memory-mapped I/O rather than a dedicated fixed IRQ; USB controllers are later additions with PCI IRQ routing. Common Pitfalls: Confusing COM port IRQs (3/4) with floppy; assuming modern Plug-and-Play layouts match legacy fixed assignments. Final Answer: Floppy drive controller.

Question 12

Memory modules – Identifying a 30-pin module type If a motherboard RAM slot has 30 pins, which type of memory module does it accept?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Different memory generations use distinct physical form factors. Accurate identification by pin count prevents installation errors and aids in supporting legacy systems. Given Data / Assumptions: Slot has exactly 30 contacts (pins). We refer to classic desktop modules, not proprietary laptop SODIMMs. No adapters used. Concept / Approach: Early PCs (late 1980s–early 1990s) used 30-pin SIMMs for FPM/EDO DRAM. Later, 72-pin SIMMs appeared, followed by 168-pin SDRAM DIMMs, and then DDR generations with 184/240 pins, etc. Therefore, a 30-pin slot indicates a 30-pin SIMM. Step-by-Step Solution: Match pin count: 30 pins ↔ SIMM.Contrast: 72-pin SIMM (wider), 168-pin SDRAM DIMM (two notches), 184-pin DDR, 240-pin DDR2/DDR3, etc.Thus, only the 30-pin SIMM fits a 30-pin slot. Verification / Alternative check: Mechanical keying prevents other module types from inserting. Motherboard documentation for vintage systems confirms 30-pin SIMM support. Why Other Options Are Wrong: DIMMs have far more pins; SDRAM DIMMs are 168-pin and incompatible. “All of the above” is clearly incorrect given mechanical mismatches. Common Pitfalls: Confusing 30-pin SIMM with 72-pin SIMM; assuming all “SDRAM” are DIMMs—some late SIMMs carried EDO DRAM, not SDRAM. Final Answer: SIMM (30-pin Single Inline Memory Module).

Question 13

Measuring AC with a multimeter – Is polarity important? When measuring sinusoidal AC voltage or current using the AC range of a DMM, must probe polarity be maintained?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Digital multimeters (DMMs) provide separate AC and DC measurement modes. Confusion about probe polarity on AC can lead to unnecessary mistakes and slow troubleshooting. This question clarifies the correct practice. Given Data / Assumptions: Measurement of sinusoidal AC on the AC ranges of a DMM. Probes are properly rated and connected; safety practices observed. No rectified or offset waveforms considered for the core concept. Concept / Approach: On AC ranges, the meter internally processes the alternating waveform (through rectification and scaling, or true-RMS conversion). Since the signal alternates polarity by definition, reversing the probe leads simply corresponds to a 180-degree phase shift that does not change the magnitude reading. Therefore, “maintaining polarity” is not required for standard AC measurements. Step-by-Step Solution: Select AC V or AC A range on the DMM.Connect leads across the two points; swap leads and observe the same magnitude.Understand that the instrument measures an AC magnitude (RMS or equivalent), independent of lead orientation.Conclude that polarity is not important for the basic AC magnitude reading. Verification / Alternative check: Oscilloscopes confirm that reversing probes simply flips the sign reference; power meters use magnitude calculations insensitive to lead order for sinusoidal AC. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Claiming “always maintain polarity” confuses DC measurement conventions. True-RMS versus average-responding affects accuracy for nonsinusoidal waves, not polarity sensitivity. Ground reference concerns are safety/connection issues, not polarity sensitivity on the meter display. Common Pitfalls: Using DC range by mistake (then polarity matters); measuring with floating references in unsafe ways; misinterpreting negative signs on meters that auto-detect DC offsets. Final Answer: No, polarity is not important on AC ranges (the original statement is False).

Question 14

Legacy IRQ assignments – What is IRQ6 typically reserved for?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Understanding classic IRQ mappings is helpful when maintaining or studying legacy PCs. Exams and interviews often ask which peripherals used which IRQs in the pre-APIC era. Given Data / Assumptions: Standard ISA/PIC interrupt scheme. No Plug-and-Play reassignments; default legacy layout. Typical IBM-PC compatible hardware set. Concept / Approach: Common defaults: IRQ1 = keyboard; IRQ3/4 = serial ports; IRQ5/7 = LPT/sound variations; IRQ6 = floppy controller; IRQ14/15 = IDE. Therefore, IRQ6 is reserved for the floppy controller. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall mapping table for legacy hardware.Identify IRQ6 → floppy disk controller.Eliminate distractors: keyboard (IRQ1), LPT2 (IRQ5/7), modem (IRQ3/4). Verification / Alternative check: Vintage diagnostics (MSD, Device Manager in early Windows) list the floppy controller on IRQ6. Why Other Options Are Wrong: They correspond to other well-known IRQ assignments, not IRQ6. Common Pitfalls: Mixing serial port IRQs with floppy; assuming “None of the above” because modern systems virtualize interrupts. Final Answer: The floppy disk controller.

Question 15

ESD control – Which measure directly reduces electrostatic potential while servicing electronics?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can silently damage sensitive components. Technicians must lower their body's electrostatic potential relative to the equipment to prevent sudden discharge events. Given Data / Assumptions: Bench with an ESD mat connected to ground is available. Technician is handling static-sensitive devices (CMOS, MOSFETs, memory). Standard ESD controls are in scope: wrist straps, ionizers, monitors. Concept / Approach: The most direct and effective method for minimizing the voltage between a person and the device is to wear an antistatic wrist strap clipped to a verified ground (or to a common point ground on an ESD mat). This continuously bleeds charge and equalizes potential, sharply reducing ESD risk. Step-by-Step Solution: Don the wrist strap; connect to common point ground.Verify ground using an ESD tester/monitor.Handle components only when grounded; keep parts on ESD-safe packaging or mats.Supplement with ionization when handling insulators that cannot be grounded. Verification / Alternative check: ESD audits show wrist strap use reduces typical human-body model voltages from thousands of volts to safe levels. Continuous monitors can alarm on open straps, validating protection. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Ionizers help neutralize charge on insulators but do not guarantee the person is at the same potential as the device. Rubber gloves can increase charge; a static meter only measures fields and does not reduce potential. Common Pitfalls: Failing to verify the strap ground; clipping to painted or floating metal; forgetting heel straps when standing on ESD floor without wrist strap. Final Answer: A wrist strap connected to a proper ground.

Question 16

Jumper settings and binary – Highest number with a 3-position jumper block Assuming a three-position jumper block represents three binary bits (each position can be 0 or 1), what is the highest binary number that can be set?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Hardware options such as drive IDs or feature enables are often configured using jumper blocks. Each jumper position can represent a binary bit, and understanding the numeric range prevents misconfiguration. Given Data / Assumptions: Three independent jumper positions acting like three bits. Each bit can be 0 (open) or 1 (jumpered/closed) according to the device's convention. No tri-state or resistor ladder—simple binary on/off. Concept / Approach: With three bits, the count of unique values is 2^3 = 8, ranging from 000 to 111 in binary. The highest value is 111, which equals 7 in decimal (and 7 in hex). None of the offered numeric choices (4, 6, F, 1) equals 7, so the correct selection must be “None of the above.” Step-by-Step Solution: Number of bits n = 3 → total combinations = 2^n = 8.Maximum value = 2^n − 1 = 7.Compare with options: 4, 6, F (15), 1 → none equals 7.Therefore, choose “None of the above.” Verification / Alternative check: List all combinations: 000(0), 001(1), 010(2), 011(3), 100(4), 101(5), 110(6), 111(7). The largest is 7, confirming the conclusion. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 4 and 6 are valid states but not the maximum; 1 is far below maximum; F corresponds to 1111 (four bits) and is impossible with only three jumpers. Common Pitfalls: Assuming hexadecimal naming without enough bits; confusing “three-position jumper block” with a 3-pin single jumper that selects among two states (that scenario uses one bit, not three independent bits). Final Answer: None of the above.

Question 17

PC Assembly Practice: Ribbon Cable Orientation for IDC Connectors  When connecting a flat ribbon cable to a board or drive IDC connector, which edge of the cable should align with the connector's pin numbering so that the plug is oriented correctly?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Ribbon cables are widely used for internal PC connections (IDE, floppy, front-panel headers, legacy I/O). Correct orientation prevents reversed polarity, which can lead to boot failures or device damage. This question tests practical hardware assembly knowledge: how to identify pin 1 on a ribbon cable and connector. Given Data / Assumptions: A standard flat ribbon cable with a colored edge marker (often red). An IDC (insulation-displacement) keyed connector on a PCB or device header. Conventional pin numbering where pin #1 is indicated on the board or connector body. Concept / Approach: By convention, the colored stripe on a ribbon cable marks the conductor for pin #1. Connectors and PCBs usually have a triangle silkscreen, notch, beveled corner, or “1” printed near pin #1. Lining up the stripe with the pin #1 indicator ensures correct signal-to-pin mapping across the cable conductors. Step-by-Step Solution: Locate the pin #1 indicator on the connector or PCB header (triangle, dot, or “1”).Identify the colored edge of the ribbon cable that denotes conductor #1.Align the colored edge with the pin #1 side of the connector.If the connector is keyed, verify the notch and shroud align; do not force a non-keyed reversal. Verification / Alternative check: Check the device manual’s connector diagram. Many drives also print “PIN 1” or place pin #1 closest to the power connector, but the authoritative indicator is the printed or molded marking on the header itself. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Highest pin number alignment is arbitrary and may be opposite of pin #1. Saying it “does not matter” can short or misroute signals. “Away from the power connector” is not a universal rule. “None of the above” is incorrect because the colored line is the accepted standard for pin #1. Common Pitfalls: Assuming power-connector proximity always points to pin #1, ignoring the keyed shroud, or trusting cable twist orientation instead of markings. Always confirm pin #1 marking on the board. Final Answer: The colored line in the cable goes to pin #1

Question 18

Field Troubleshooting: Verifying Serial (RS-232) and Parallel (LPT) Ports  Which tool is specifically used to check the electrical send/receive paths of serial and parallel interfaces during diagnostics?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: PC technicians frequently need to determine whether an I/O port (serial RS-232 or parallel LPT) is functioning. While software can initiate tests, a physical loop is required to confirm the transmit lines correctly return to receive lines. This question asks which tool closes that path reliably. Given Data / Assumptions: Standard legacy PC ports: DB-9/DB-25 serial and DB-25 parallel. Use of diagnostic software that sends and expects data back. Technician has access to common bench tools. Concept / Approach: A loopback plug internally wires the transmit and receive pins (and status lines as needed) so test signals sent by the port are fed back to the same port. Successful round-trip confirms driver, UART, and physical pins. It is the canonical hardware for port self-test together with a diagnostic program. Step-by-Step Solution: Attach a known-good loopback plug to the suspect port.Run a port test utility that sends data patterns.Verify received data matches transmitted data, including control/status signals where applicable.If mismatched, investigate drivers, cabling, or hardware faults. Verification / Alternative check: Cross-check with another PC or use a second, known-good I/O card. Signal-level checking with an oscilloscope can supplement but does not replace functional loopback confirmation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Port adapters merely change connector form factors and do not loop signals. Logic probes can detect voltage transitions but do not validate full protocol loopback. “All of the above” is wrong because only the loopback plug performs the required path closure. Common Pitfalls: Using a straight-through cable and expecting loopback behavior, or forgetting control-line wiring (for parallel ports). Always use a purpose-built loopback plug and suitable diagnostics. Final Answer: Loopback plug

Question 19

PC Hardware Resources: Which Expansion Device Uses a DMA Channel?  Identify the component that typically relies on DMA (Direct Memory Access) for high-throughput, low-CPU-overhead data transfers.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Legacy PC architectures (ISA/early PCI era) assigned hardware resources such as IRQs, I/O ports, and DMA channels to devices. Understanding which peripherals actually used DMA helps with troubleshooting conflicts and performance issues in older systems and embedded PCs. Given Data / Assumptions: Context is classic PC hardware (ISA/early PCI) rather than purely modern bus-mastering NICs. DMA provides memory transfers without CPU copying. We evaluate which listed device class is most characteristically associated with DMA usage. Concept / Approach: ISA sound cards (e.g., Sound Blaster family) commonly used DMA channels (such as DMA 1 or 5) to stream digitized audio to and from memory with minimal CPU intervention. While some network cards later used bus mastering (a DMA-like concept), the quintessential and widely taught example of DMA usage in A+ and legacy curricula is the sound card. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall typical ISA resource maps: sound card claims IRQ (often 5 or 7), I/O ports, and DMA channels (e.g., 1, 5).Modems primarily used UART interrupts and I/O ports; DMA was not typical.Many NICs moved to bus mastering on PCI, but in legacy teaching, “sound card uses DMA” is the standard answer.Therefore, the device most known for using a DMA channel is the sound card. Verification / Alternative check: Check classic configuration utilities (DIAGNOSE/CTCU) and manuals listing DMA assignments for audio playback/record. Lab configuration of DOS games also required setting IRQ/DMA for sound cards. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Modems: interrupt-driven serial I/O, not DMA. Network cards: while some can DMA via bus mastering, the expected exam answer emphasizes the sound card's historical, explicit DMA channel usage. “All of the above” overgeneralizes. Common Pitfalls: Confusing PCI bus mastering with legacy ISA DMA channels, or assuming every high-speed device necessarily used a classic DMA channel. Final Answer: Sound Card

Question 20

PC Boot Diagnostics: CMOS Checksum Error at Startup  You see a “CMOS checksum error” during boot. What is the most likely underlying cause in typical desktop systems?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The CMOS RAM stores system configuration (time/date, boot order, device settings) and is held by a coin-cell battery when power is off. The BIOS compares a computed checksum of CMOS contents with a stored value. A mismatch flags a CMOS checksum error during POST. Identifying the most common cause is essential for fast field repairs. Given Data / Assumptions: Standard ATX desktop board with a CR2032 battery. System has been off or in storage for long periods. No recent firmware flashing errors. Concept / Approach: Over time, the CMOS coin-cell voltage drops. Low voltage leads to corrupted or reset CMOS contents, producing a checksum mismatch. Replacing the battery and re-entering BIOS settings usually resolves the error. While other faults can cause checksum errors, battery depletion is by far the most common in otherwise healthy systems. Step-by-Step Solution: Power cycle and enter BIOS; check time/date—if wrong, CMOS retention is failing.Replace the CR2032 battery with a fresh one (observe polarity).Load optimized defaults, then reconfigure device settings and boot order.Save and reboot to confirm the checksum error is cleared. Verification / Alternative check: Measure battery voltage with a DMM; anything well below nominal 3.0 V indicates replacement. If errors persist, inspect for BIOS corruption or board faults. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Bad power supply can cause random issues, but the typical, isolated “checksum error” points to the battery. A BIOS update is not inherently required. Incorrect drive types cause boot failures, not checksum mismatches. “None of the above” is unnecessary given the common root cause. Common Pitfalls: Replacing the motherboard prematurely, or forgetting to reset time/date after battery swap. Also, mixing up CMOS (settings) with BIOS firmware code stored in flash. Final Answer: CMOS battery is nearing end of life

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